Edvard Hagerup Bull - Biography

Edvard HAGERUP BULL, born in 1922 in Bergen, was one of the most authentic aand original Norwegian composers of the 20th century. Following brilliant studies in Oslo, he came to Paris to work from 1948 to 1953 at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, in the composition class of Darius MILHAUD and Jean RIVIER and Olivier MESSIAEN's analysis class.

His studies, crowned by a musical composition prize from the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, were completed by the master teaching of Charles KOECHLIN and then Boris BLACHER at the Hochschule in Berlin.

The man Darius MILHAUD described as "one of his most brilliant students" and "a musician with a solid technique and a truly very enthralling, vigorous and highly imaginative personality", composed a body of work impressive in terms of both quality and quantity, and noteworthy for its diversity of genres.

The originator of 2 operas, 30 orchestral works and chamber music pieces, the work of Edvard HAGERUP BULL impressed wherever it was played, owing to its powerful lyricism and contrasts, reflecting his native Norway.

This great expressive and personal characteristic spirit had a remarkably solid base of training and knowledge. Edvard HAGERUP BULL possessed the art of direct communication; of going straight to the heart. His work was recognized throughout the world by numerous eminent artists.

Jean RIVIER emphasised "his exceptional musical gifts". Time has added to this a depth and gravity of musical thought.

Edvard Hagerup Bull passed away on March 15, 2012.

Jean-Jacques Werner Director of the Ecole Nationale de Musique de Fresnes Member of the Conseil Supérieur de la musique Translation: Forenede Translatører ASUpdated by MIC Norway 2012